A/N Hey! This is my first Merlin fic and my first one shot! I love reviews even if they're on things I need to work on because that's the only way I'll get better.

Merlin walked through the walls of Camelot and looked around. There were many people bustling around from cart to cart and children running around playing and guards patrolling. There were little wooden houses surrounding the castle yet more people bustling in and out of them. The castle walls were made out of beautiful stone with towers that reached for the clouds. Polished steps lead the way into the castle guarded by big heavy doors. He looked around, trying to guess where the physicians quarters, his new home, might be.

Merlin was too focused on trying to find it to notice a young man about his age come running towards him till it was too late.

"Oof," Merlin said as he tumbled backward. The other man, who had kept his balance quickly reached his hand out to him to help him while looking over his shoulder as if to make sure no one saw him knock Merlin over. Merlin grabbed his hand and was pulled up when the other guy finally turned around.

"Watch where you're going next time," the man said a little roughly.

Merlin was too stunned to answer immediately but quickly replied, "Sorry, but I think we're both at fault seeing as you obviously weren't watching where you were going either." The man stared at him as though surprised he had spoken.

"Do you know who you're talking to?" the blond man questioned.

"A prat?" Merlin replied almost innocently, but there was a glint in his eyes showing he enjoyed their little conversation. The other man started to smile and looked around at a few men who had joined him.

"Looks like we found a wise guy over here. Do you think a day in the stocks would help him remember who I am?" The blond asked with a huge smile on his face.

Merlin scoffed, "You can't do that."

Arthur smirked, "I'm afraid you'll find that I can. Let me help remind you who I am," the blond said motioning for two of the men watching to grab Merlin, "I'm Arthur. The King's son." All the color drained from Merlin's face immediately as he was dragged to the stocks. He didnt even try to get away and instead accepted the fact that his stay in Camelot didn't start off the way he wanted it to.

"This should teach you," Arthur said as he looked him in and set a box of rotten food next to him. Arthur walked away laughing with the rest of his, what Merlin assumed, knights.

***Merlin***

When Merlin was finally let out, he got direction from the guard to the court physician's quarters. As he made his way there, he peeled of all the gross food that had been thrown at him. Looking back at it, it wasn't so bad, I mean it made kids happy at least.

Suddenly he heard footsteps from around a corner and quickly stopped and got against the wall. The other footsteps also stopped and for a moment Merlin thought he was discovered. Merlin was about to keep walking when he heard the person around the corner take in a shaky breath and start crying. Merlin quickly peeked around the corner and what he saw amazed him.

Prince Arthur was sitting on the floor, back against the wall and his head in his knees. Merlin started walking away as quietly as he could. Merlin's compassionate side won out in his internal battle and he turned and walked towards the prince.

"Arthur?" he asked forgetting he was talking to a prince. Arthur's head snapped up and he quickly tried to brush the tears off his face.

"I'm fine, just stressed is all," he said getting up. When he saw who it was though, he looked like he was about to cry again. "I'm sorry," The prince said, "I should never have put you in the stocks. I just, I have to look brave and powerful in front of everyone and," he stopped and said down again. Merlin sat down next to him and waited for a second.

"I forgive you. I actually kind of enjoyed being in the stocks for the first couple minutes," Merlin said. Arthur gave a weak chuckle at this.

"You're obviously a nice person. I think people would want to see that over an unjust king." Merlin continued. Arthur just shook his head at this as though doubting Merlin.

"So. Why weren't you paying attention earlier today?" Arthur inquired, changing the subject.

Merlin smiled and said "Today was my first day here in Camelot. I was taking in the view because I'll be spending a lot of time here."

Arthur sighed "I've ruined your first day here in Camelot. I wouldn't blame you if you left"

Merlin laughed "You can't get rid of me that easily." That made Arthur laughed as suddenly stopped though and turned to him.

"If you're going to be staying here a while and need a job, well if you want, not that you have to or anything, it's just an idea…" Arthur started trailing of obviously doubting himself.

"What?" Merlin asked curiously.

"You could be my personal servant. It's one of the best paying jobs in Camelot and I'm already indebted to you so you'll have it easier," Arthur said hurriedly. Merlin thought for a minute then nodded.

"I'd like that," Merlin smiled at Arthur.

Remember to review! :) (Sorry for any mistakes)